Events

Databank

 

Derek Gordon Databank

Introduction

The SALISES Databank serves as the central repository for high-quality, policy-relevant data across the Caribbean. Its core mandate is to acquire, curate, and preserve raw numerical and qualitative datasets to support rigorous social, economic, and policy analysis. The Databank also carries an essential archival and knowledge-preservation function, recognizing that historically, significant Caribbean data has been lost due to weak archival practices. By maintaining a secure, well-structured repository, the Databank safeguards regional knowledge for future generations while promoting data-driven decision-making. Datasets are sourced primarily from government ministries, statistical institutes, regional organizations, and international partners, but the Databank also welcomes contributions from universities, civil society, and independent researchers.

Production and Management of Datasets

The Databank receives datasets in diverse formats. To ensure accessibility and comparability, all incoming data undergoes the following process:

  • Standardization: Conversion into widely used formats such as SPSS, Stata, and CSV.
  • Data Quality Checks: Application of consistency, reliability, and validity checks to minimize errors.
  • Metadata Creation: Development of detailed labels, variable descriptions, and documentation for transparency.
  • Multi-format Storage: While SPSS is the default archival format, datasets can be made available in other formats upon request (e.g., STATA, SAS).

This process ensures that datasets are not only stored but also curated for ease of use in research, teaching, and policymaking.

Distribution of Datasets

The SALISES Databank distributes unrestricted datasets under a responsible use framework designed to balance access with ethical obligations. Access is provided on the basis of the following criteria:

  1. Applicants must submit a project abstract or detailed description of intended research/teaching use.
  2. A completed and signed Data Application Form must be submitted to: salises@uwimona.edu.jm.
  3. Datasets are to be used exclusively for academic research, teaching, and policy analysis, not for commercial purposes.
  4. Users must:
    • Notify the Databank of any discovered errors or inconsistencies.
    • Refrain from passing datasets to third parties without written approval.
    • Cite the Databank and dataset according to the required citation format in all outputs (papers, reports, publications, theses).
    • Provide the Databank with at least one copy of any publication, paper, or report arising from use of the data.

This framework ensures the Databank supports a culture of transparency, accountability, and academic integrity.

Strategic Role of the SALISES Databank

Beyond data storage and distribution, the SALISES Databank plays a wider role in the Caribbean research and policy ecosystem:

  • Supporting Social Policy Analysis: Providing evidence to guide governments, NGOs, and development partners.
  • Enabling Regional Comparisons: Facilitating cross-country analysis on issues such as poverty, education, governance, and resilience.
  • Building Research Capacity: Training researchers and graduate students in data management, analysis, and interpretation.
  • Promoting Open Data Culture: Encouraging data sharing and collaborative research within and across Caribbean states.
  • Safeguarding Regional Knowledge: Acting as a trusted custodian of Caribbean data in an era where knowledge is easily lost without institutional care.